PETROLEUM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 6, 1 February 1909, Page 4

PETROLEUM.

TAKANAKi COMPANY'S KEPOIiT Mr D. Berry, chairman of directors of iho Taranaki Petroleum Co., Ltd., furnishes us with the following report: .From No. 1 there is nothing new to report. This well is still running a little oil with water.

No. 2.—On Saturday morning, as be-! fore stated, the oil ran over the top and six barrels were pumped, but on Monday the oil was only 80ft. from the top, so the hands pumped fully 41) barrels, reducing the oil to 700 ft. from tlie top. Of this 152 barrels were 'filled and further storage will soon be required. On Tuesday the oil had agaiu risen to within MOft. of the top, so 20 barrels were pumped in the afternoon. The gas was 'stronger again. On Wednesday the oil had risen to about 300 ft., anil so five barrels were pumped out, and then the pump was put to the bottom to pump out mud so as to be ready for drilling. Then a blow-out occurred, the »as throwing mud and oil right to tin* lop of the derrick. Since then drilling has been' going on and last night only some -10 ft. remained to be get to Ihe anticipated . required depth. Double shifts will be started on MnndiW to do this.

The excavation of the underground earth tank is nearly completed and the carpenters will start ou .Monday to root it in. The large iron tank was taken from No. I and piaeeu in position also.

All the casing is now iu \o. and a packer is put on. ana it is iiop t ><( that the bore will of itself become dry by the debris from the sides falling and wedging up against the packer. The hands have been taken to No. 2 to work the double shifts.

At both Nos. 2 and 3 the prospects look very hopeful.